Visual Resources

APM AQ-1: Use low sulfur fuel. (See Mitigation Measure A-1c).

APM AQ-2: Use of clean burning on-road and off-road diesel engines. Where feasible, heavy-duty diesel powered construction equipment manufactured after 1996 (with federally-mandated "clean" diesel engines) would be utilized. (See Mitigation Measure A-1f).

APM AQ-3: Construction workers will carpool when possible.

APM AQ-4: Vehicle idling time would be minimized. (See Mitigation Measure A-1d).

APM AQ-5: Water all active construction areas, access roads, and staging areas as needed. (See Mitigation Measure A-1a).

APM AQ-6: Cover all trucks hauling soils and other loose material, or require at least 2 feet of freeboard. (See Mitigation Measure A-1a).

APM AQ-7: Construction vehicles would use paved roads to access the construction site when possible. (See Mitigation Measure A-1a).

APM AQ-8: Limit vehicle speeds to 15 mph on unpaved roads. (See Mitigation Measure A-1a).

APM AQ-9: Sweep paved streets daily with water sweepers if visible soil material is carried onto adjacent public streets.

APM AQ-10: Stabilize soils in inactive construction areas on an as-needed basis. (See Mitigation Measure A-1a).

APM AQ-11: Enclose, cover, water twice daily, or add soil binders to exposed stockpiles of soil and other excavated materials. (See Mitigation Measure A-1a).

APM AQ-12: Allow natural revegetation to occur on temporarily disturbed areas following the completion of construction. (See Mitigation Measure A-1a).

APM BIO-1: SCE would perform pre-construction clearance surveys to help ensure that no special-status plants or wildlife species are negatively impacted by construction. (See Mitigation Measures B-6, B-7, B-8a, B-9, B-12, B-16, B-19, B-24, B-25, and B-26)

APM BIO-2: Every effort would be made to minimize vegetation removal and permanent loss at construction sites. If necessary, native vegetation would be flagged for protection. (See Mitigation Measure B-1a)

APM BIO-3: Construction crews would avoid impacting the streambeds and banks of any streams along the route to the extent feasible. If necessary, SCE would secure a Streambed Alteration Agreement (SAA) from California Department of Fish and Game. Impacts would be mitigated based on the terms of the SAA. No streams with flowing waters and capable of supporting special-status species are expected to be impacted by the project. (See Mitigation Measure B-1b, B-8b)

APM BIO-4: Crews would be directed to use Best Management Practices (BMPs) where applicable. These measures would be identified prior to construction and incorporated into the construction operations to the fullest extent possible.

APM BIO-5: SCE would assign Biological Monitors to the Project. They would be responsible for ensuring that impacts to special-status species, native vegetation, wildlife habitat, or unique resources would be minimized to the fullest extent possible. Where appropriate, monitors would flag the boundaries of areas where activities need to be restricted in order to protect native plants and wildlife, or special-status species. These restricted areas would be monitored to ensure their protection during construction.

APM BIO-6: SCE would implement a worker environmental awareness training program to ensure that construction personnel are aware of the environmental conditions that must be adhered. All field construction personnel would be required to sign a statement that they agree to comply with all environmental protection measures associated with the project. (See PH-1a and PH-4a)

APM BIO-7: If it is determined that unanticipated significant and unavoidable impacts occurred to any special-status resources, SCE would purchase lands or otherwise enhance habitat to compensate. (See Mitigation Measures B-1a and B-1b)

APM CULTURAL-1: It is recommended first that a full-scale archaeological reconnaissance be undertaken, and second that archaeological monitoring during construction take place in order to reduce any potential impacts to cultural and historical resources. In some cases, mitigation measures might be necessary in order to reduce potentially significant impacts on such resources. These mitigation measures may include but not be limited to standard test pits, testing for depth and extent of the archaeological deposit, or data recovery.

APM GEO-1: For new substation construction (e.g., expansion of Antelope Substation), specific requirements for seismic design will be followed based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers' 693 "Recommended Practices for Seismic Design of Substation". (See Mitigation Measure G-6)

APM GEO-2: Prior to final design of substation facilities and transmission line tower foundations, a geotechnical study would be performed to identify site-specific geologic conditions in enough detail to support good engineering practice. (See Mitigation Measures G-1, G-4, G-5, G-6, G-7, G-8, and G-9)

APM GEO-3: Transmission line and substation construction activities would be performed in accordance with the soil erosion/water quality protection measures specified in the Construction SWPPP. (See Mitigation Measures G-2 and H-1a)

APM PAL-1: The following mitigation measures have been developed to reduce the potential impacts of project construction on paleontological resources to a less than significant level. The measures are derived from the guidelines of the SVP and meet the requirements of Kern and Los Angeles counties and CEQA. These mitigation measures have been used throughout California and have been demonstrated to be successful in protecting paleontological resources while allowing timely completion of construction (See Mitigation Measure G-10):

· A certified paleontologist would be retained by SCE to supervise monitoring of construction excavations and to produce a mitigation plan for the proposed Project. Paleontological monitoring would include inspection of exposed rock units and microscopic examination of matrix to determine if fossils are present. The monitor would have authority to temporarily divert grading away from exposed fossils in order to recover the fossil specimens.

· If microfossils are present, the monitor would collect matrix for processing. In order to expedite removal of fossiliferous matrix, the monitor may request heavy machinery to assist in moving large quantities of matrix out of the path of construction to designated stockpile areas. Testing of stockpiles would consist of screen washing small samples to determine if significant fossils are present. Productive tests would result in screen washing of additional matrix from the stockpiles to a maximum of 6,000 pounds per locality to ensure recovery of a scientifically significant sample.

· Quaternary Alluvium, Colluvium, and Quaternary Landslide Deposits have a low paleontological sensitivity level, and would be spot-checked on a periodic basis to insure that older underlying sediments are not being penetrated.

· A certified paleontologist would prepare monthly progress reports to be filed with the client.

· Recovered fossils would be prepared to the point of curation, identified by qualified experts, listed in a database to allow analysis, and deposited in a designated repository.

· At each fossil locality, field data forms would record the locality, stratigraphic columns would be measured, and appropriate scientific samples submitted for analysis.

· The certified paleontologist would prepare a final mitigation report to be filed with the client, the lead agency, and the repository.

APM PHS-1: SCE would perform Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) to assess all project-related areas of planned ground disturbance prior to the initiation of construction and avoid any identified hazards accordingly.

APM HYD-1: Transmission towers would not be placed within the waterway protection corridors defined by city and county codes.

APM HYD-2: In accordance with the Clean Water Act, a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) would be prepared and implemented, including Best Management Practices (BMPs), in order to minimize construction impacts on surface and groundwater quality. The SWPPP would be prepared once the proposed Project is approved and after the necessary facilities are sited and designed.

APM HYD-3: An erosion control and sediment transport control plan (part of SWPPP) would be submitted to Los Angeles County along with grading permit applications. Implementation of the plan would help stabilize graded areas and waterways, and reduce erosion and sedimentation. The plan would designate BMPs that would be adhered to during construction activities. Erosion-minimizing efforts such as hay bales, water bars, covers, sediment fences, sensitive area access restrictions (for example, flagging), vehicle mats in wet areas, and retention/settlement ponds would be installed before extensive clearing and grading begins. Standard erosion and dust control practices would be used during construction according to BMPs to protect biological and hydrological resources.

APM HYD-4: An environmental training program would be established to communicate environmental concerns and appropriate work practices, including spill prevention and response measures, to all field personnel. A monitoring program would be implemented to ensure that the plans are followed throughout the period of construction. (See Mitigation Measure PH-1a)

APM HYD-5: The Construction SWPPP would include preparations for quick and safe cleanup of accidental spills. This plan would be submitted with the grading permit application. It would prescribe hazardous materials handling procedures for reducing the potential for a spill during construction, and would include an emergency response program to ensure quick and safe cleanup of accidental spills. The plan would identify areas where refueling and vehicle maintenance activities and storage of hazardous materials, if any, would be permitted. (See Mitigation Measure PH-1b)

APM HYD-6: Oil-absorbent materials, tarps, and storage drums would be used to contain and control any minor releases of transformer oil. In the event that excess water and liquid concrete escapes from pole foundations during pouring, it would be directed to bermed areas adjacent to the borings where the water would infiltrate or evaporate and the concrete would remain and begin to set. Once the excess concrete had been allowed to set up (but before it is dry), it would be removed and transported to an approved landfill for disposal.

APM HYD-7: If hazardous materials are encountered in excavated soils, work would be stopped until the material is properly characterized and appropriate measures are taken to protect human health and the environment. If excavation of hazardous materials is required, they would be handled, transported, and disposed of in accordance with federal, State, and local regulations. (See Mitigation Measure PH-3)

APM NOI-1: Consistent with Section 8.24 of the City of Lancaster Municipal Code, within 500 feet of any occupied dwelling no construction will occur on Sundays, and no construction will occur between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and sunrise on all other days of the week. In the event that construction needed to occur outside the specified hours, a variance would need to be obtained.

APM NOI-2: Consistent with County Code (Section 12.08.440), no construction activities will occur in a residential area between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays and Saturdays, or at any time on Sundays and holidays. In the event that construction needed to occur outside the specified hours, a variance would need to be obtained.

APM TRA-1: Construction activities would be designed to minimize work on or use of local streets.

APM TRA-2: When local streets must be used for more than normal traffic purposes, an encroachment permit or similar authorization would be obtained from the County (or other agency, as applicable).

APM TRA-3: Any construction or installation work requiring the crossing of a local street, highway, or rail line would incorporate the use of guard poles, netting, or similar means to protect moving traffic and structures from the activity.

APM TRA-4: Any work requiring an encroachment permit would include preparation of a traffic control plan (TCP) and other management plans to minimize effects on local streets. (See Mitigation Measure T-1a)

APM TRA-5: Any damage to local streets would be repaired, and the street system would be restored. (See Mitigation Measure T-7)

APM TRA-6: To the extent practical, existing access roads would be used during construction, and any re-grading of access trails would be the minimum necessary to provide safe access, and erosion control. (See Mitigation Measure V-1b)

APM TRA-7: Helicopter transport would be used for remote locations where roadway access is not feasible. Specific sites and the details of helicopter use would be determined in consultation with the USDA Forest Service. (See Mitigation Measures V-3d and V-4a)

APM TRA-8: Any damage to existing forest roads would be repaired. (See Mitigation Measure T-7)

APM TRA-9: The design and use of any new roadways and access trails within the ANF would be coordinated with the District and Forest Supervisor's office. The ANF may specify conditions under which use of the ANF roads and lands may be permitted. These conditions may include restoring or blocking access at some service trails, and repairing any roadway damage or erosion damage caused by construction activities or traffic.

APM VIS-1: Debris removal. During project construction, the work site would be kept clean of debris and construction waste. Material and construction storage areas would be selected to minimize views from public roads, trails and nearby residences. (See Mitigation Measures V-1c, V-1d, V-4b, V-4c, and V-15a)

APM VIS-2: Spacing of towers next to the Pacific Crest Trail. Where the proposed 500-kV transmission line route crosses the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail north of Spunky Canyon Road, the transmission towers would be placed with a minimum setback of 300 feet from the trail.